I believe the Democrats will try and damage the economy by shutting down the government again.

It's important to understand the history of it in the Old Testament to know what is actually happening in Corinth when Paul speaks about it, both encouraging, and rebuking.


Tongues is just a sixteenth century word for languages. I think that some people like the term 'tongues' because it giveth them a magic hocus pocus feeling. It just means languages. No need for the sign anymore. It's primary purpose has went and gone. The secondary uses that were necessary to keep it Biblical went with it. One of the main reasons tongues were spoken at Pentecost pointed towards A.D 70. as was noted in the link provided, God's judgment on Israel. Tongues were also spoken to show by way of miracle that God's "Promise of the Father" that was owed to OT saints was being given, the NT indwelling that all Christians receive the moment Jesus places the Holy Spirit in them, called the baptism with the Holy Spirit. It also showed that God was undoing the confusion of languages that He caused way back in Babylon to evangelize the whole world. The Gentiles were now grafted in per Romans 11:17-24 to provoke Israel to jealousy. Please at least glance over the link provided if you're going to respond. Thanks.

Dave

Based on: The Full Armor of God

Father in Heaven, I submit to you anew this day, reaffirming my love, commitment and need for your Power and Grace in my life, and surrendering anew, all my worldly ways; that I may go forth in a manner becoming of a servant of the Risen and triumphant Christ, Jesus.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as sacrifice so mankind may know forgiveness, I apply the 'Shoes of Peace' as I prepare for the daily battle awaiting all who hold fast to your Righteousness and your Commandments.

May the Will of the Father be of full effect upon me, as I claim the fullness of your Holy Spirit Eternal anew: that through sanctification of my spirit I may enjoy thorough cleansing of mind and soul of any impediments to obedience as I apply to my whole being the full Armor of God. Not seeking to apply your precious Armor over an unregenerate self, grant me Lord that I may know a clean heart, an alert mind, and the courage to stand fast in defense of the Tradition and Truth fulfilled in the person of your Son Jesus.

I realize the importance of shielding my spirit in the sanctuary of your Sacred Armor, that by this I shall resist the temptations and attacks of Satan and his followers. For this purpose, I ask that you strengthen my sometimes hesitant heart, that I may discern with split-second timing, your command to advance, regardless of the size and nature of adversity. Filled with the life-giving Blood of Jesus I rest my faith in your Eternal Promise and Victory on the Cross over death and the forces of evil.

Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

I rejoice that I am reborn in Royal Kinship with the Lord of Heavenly Hosts; and as result am born an enemy of the world; which aligns itself to the temporary reign of Satan: whom I renounce. May I never be seen as weak and compromising of faith, but as a shining light among darkness: that all may know that you are THE LORD, my God.

Heavenly Father, teach me to apply your precious Spiritual Armor effectively; that I may stand firm in the evil day to come. Grant this both today and every day as I apply the 'Belt of Truth'; that I may stand fast against deception: enabling me to shield the heart within my soul with the 'Breastplate of Righteousness' in order to know your Wisdom, affecting Godly thoughts, words and actions, while reflecting your healing strength to the world around

As a defender of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, I appreciate the need for faith-building and strengthening experience which may see me feeling the occasional sting of Satan's flaming arrows, as he seeks to weaken my resolve and cheat me of my rightful inheritance awaiting me in the Eternal Kingdom of God. While acknowledging that no trial shall ever befall me, which is beyond my capacity to overcome, I pray that only those arrows sanctified in accordance with your Will may penetrate the 'Shield of Faith'; confounding the enemy's efforts and building greater faith and perseverance within me. For this purpose, as I take up the Shield of Faith this day, I do so in confidence of its ability to quench all the destructive power of Satan's arrows.

Ephesians 6: 14-16 NKJV: 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Thank you, Lord, that the refining Fire of your Holy Spirit within me burns brighter, hotter, and fiercer than anything Satan and his evil army can withstand. Therefore, melt me, Lord, and mould me into Your likeness. This is my hearts desire.

Finally, Father, as I apply the 'Helmet of Salvation' granted me by rebirth in the Lord Jesus Christ, and taking up the 'Sword of the Spirit' - which is the inerrant Word of God - first honing sharp its edge with much prayer and supplication - that I may march against your enemies this day in humble obedience; advancing the Truth of God boldly and without hesitation; and by righteous example making known the mysteries of the Gospel to the deceived in the manner of your purpose.

Ephesians 6: 17-18: 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

This is my prayer, my faith, as I serve you as an Ambassador in chains, having once known bondage by many ties of iniquity and evil leading; now set free by the precious Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having been permanently reunited in the family of Almighty God, I secure myself to the safety and comfort of His Love. These things I pray, in partition to you, dear Father, that as servant of the only true God I may lead others to you; according to your Will and great plan for all Humanity.

In full acknowledgment and submission to the Grace of God, The Almighty, the Sovereignty of the Son, and the Power of the Holy Spirit Eternal, I go forth this day; seeking a re-anointing of spirit as I pledge anew my faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ephesians 6: 19-20 NKJV: 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Closing (Based on Ephesians 6:21–24 NKJV)

As we move forward in our daily walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we need to show the same openness, encouragement, and steadfast love that marked the early believers towards all those who cross our paths. Just as Paul sent faithful companions to strengthen and comfort the hearts of the people, our own walk needs to bring that same kind of reassurance, encouragement and peace to those around us.

Questions to Ponder

What does it look like for me to “put on the whole armor of God” at the start of each day?



Are there areas where I’ve been trying to fight spiritual battles in my own strength instead of God’s?



How can I fasten the Belt of Truth more firmly in my life — in my thoughts, my words, and my choices?

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I pray that the peace of God, the love that flows from the Father, and the faith we hold in Christ will rest on all those who seek Him with diligence and sincerity. I pray also, that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with every heart that loves Him in truth, now and always. In Jesus’ wonderful name, Amen.

To the Holy Spirit: Thank You for guiding every word, guarding every step, and glorifying Jesus. All glory, honour, praise, and worship belong to God Almighty, who alone is worthy.

Scripture Acknowledgement: All Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version® (NKJV). Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Special thanks to Bible Gateway for providing accessible, searchable Scripture resources that support devotional writing and spiritual study.

May these words echo grace, healing, and truth wherever they are read.

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Here is the list of verse (15 totl) in the bible that have the end times time-frames in them.

Revelation 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

Revelation 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.


Daniel 12:7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.


Daniel 12:12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.


Daniel 8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.


Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.


Ezekiel 39:9 And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:

Ezekiel 39:12 And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land.

Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Revelation 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Revelation 11:11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

Daniel 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Revelation 9:10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

Hi, I am sorry if my posts are not emanating Catholic stuff these days but I'm beating myself up over something that probably no one else gives a fig about.

I made a joke during a speaking event (low-key stuff, in their Parish Hall) yesterday and while I have been complimented for my sense of humor, I still hate how I did it.

The priest was talking about different religious orders, and when he was on the Benedictine order, one of the bullet points on the slide was that the order likes to "retreat" from the issues of the world.

Here I inserted my 2 cents and I asked in a lighthearted, jovial manner, "Does that mean they like to run away from their problems?" and the priest indicated that this is kind of what it meant and I said something like "Yeah, I tend to run away from my problems" and the priest said (he wasn't impolite when he said this) something like "Well, then the Benedictines are for you." And I said "Ok."

Now, in the past, during my last two formation courses, people have pleasantly laughed when I said things and have told me I'm funny, but I feel so embarrassed about last night. I know, no one will care right? And if they do care, they'll get over it.

However, the next time I step foot in that church and walk up to the front pews to sit, I'm going to be known as the person who made that joke

#1. ACCORDING AS ///. KATHOS. is an ADVERB

#2 IT IS WITTEN. ///. GRAPHO. is in the PERFECT TENSE , in. the PASSIVE VOICE. , means the HOLY SPIRIT. is speaking in. the

INDICATIVE MOOD and means you better believe. it in the SINGULAR

#3 GOD // THEOS in bb the NOMINATIVE CASE in the SINGULAR

#4 HATH GIVEN // DIDOMI. in. the AORIST TENSE , in. the ACTIVE VOICE , means the HOLY SPIRIT. IS SPEAKING in. the INDICATIVE MOOD

in the SLINGULAR

#5. THEM. ///AUTOS. is a PERSONAL POSSESSEIVE PRONOUN in the DATIVE CASE in. the. PLURAL

#6. THE SPIRIT. //. PNEUMA. in. the ACCUSATIVE CASE in vv the SINGULAR in. the NEUTER and means MALE or FEMALE

#7 OF SLUMBER. /// KATANYXIS. in. the GENITIVE CASE , which INDICATES POSESSIOM. in. the SNGULAR

# 8 EYES. , ///. OPHNALMOS. isa in. the ACCUSATIVE CASE , in. the PLURAL

#9 THAT THEY SHOULD ///. BLEPO. in the PRESENT TENSE , in. the ACTIVE VOICE

# 10 NOT /// ME is a DISJUNCATIVE PARTICLE NEGATIVE , mens NEVER will. SEE

# 11. SEE. ///. BLEPO is in. the PRESENT TENSE and means Israel can not yet SEE. , PERIOD

# 12 AND // KAI is a conjuncation

#13. EARS ///. OUS in. the ACCUSATIVE CASE in. the PLURAL imvv the NEUTER meaning MALE and FEMALE

#14 THAT THEY SHOULD. ///. AKOUO. inv the PRESENT TENSE , meaning always

#15. NOT //. ME. is. a DISJUNCATIVE PARTICLE NEGATIVE means. that Israel can NOT HEAR or SEE. that they are impaired

#16 HEAR. ///. AKOUO. is in. the FUTURE TENSEin. the ACTIVE VOICE.

#17 UNTO // HEMERON. is a CONJUNCATION

#18 THIS ///. SEMERO. is a ADVERB

#19 DAY ///. is in the GENITIVE. CASE. in. the SINGULAR


# A This verse show that Israel. DEAF

#B. ISRAEL is BLIND

#C UNTIL Israel and JUDAH become one nation as written in EZE 37.

dan p

Part of the Trump administration's energy policy involves energy grants to individual U.S. states. And according to the Washington Post, government lawyers admitted, in a December 15 court filing, that the decision to cut energy grants was based on partisanship.

Post reporters Meryl Kornfield and Hannah Natanson, in an article published on December 17, explain, "The Trump Administration acknowledged, in a court filing this week, that a decision to cut energy grants during the government shutdown was influenced by whether the money would go to a state that tended to elect Democrats statewide or nationally. Government lawyers also wrote in the filing that 'consideration of partisan politics is constitutionally permissible, including because it can serve as a proxy for legitimate policy considerations.'"

The "remarkably candid admission" in the filing, according to Kornfield and Natanson, "echoes" Trump's "frequent vows to punish cities and states that he sees as his enemies, from withholding disaster relief for Southern California to targeting blue cities with National Guard troops."


If we want to split hairs, I guess the Administration is not 'admitting' the fact, but it is not contesting the fact. And the footnote definitely has a whiff of "yeah, we did it, and there's nothing wrong with it."

Typical Christmas sermon, I suppose.

Speaking at a “Christmas Worship Service” at the Pentagon on Wednesday (Dec. 17), evangelist Franklin Graham celebrated that God is not just a God of love but also of hate and war.

“We know that God loves. But did you know that God also hates? Do you know that God also is a God of war? Many people don’t want to think about that, or forget that,” he declared as he stood on stage near two Christmas trees with a nativity scene and a Hanukkah Menorah in front of them.

Graham briefly recounted a story in Exodus 17, where Joshua led the ancient Israelites in battle against the Amalekites as Moses stood on a mountain holding up his arms. Graham said that not only did they win the battle, but God remembered how the Amalekites had attacked the Israelites. So Graham then turned to 1 Samuel 15, where the prophet Samuel told King Saul to kill all the Amalekites.

"Don’t spare them, but kill them, both man and woman, infant, nursing child, ox, sheep, camel, and donkey.’ So Samuel gave the instructions for the mission. Now, people will say, ‘But, Franklin, that is so hard; that’s not the God I believe in.’ Well, you had better believe in him.”

As Graham notes, some Christians find the story of the genocide of the Amalekites a little difficult to wrestle with; but it seems the new breed of masculine Christianity that has arisen has elevated the story, proclaiming it openly as an example for the troops.

A Catechism may be described as a summary of Christian doctrine, of those most necessary truths that God has revealed for our salvation. There are two ‘universal’ Catechisms in the Church, officially approved by the Magisterium: The one following upon the Council of Trent, called the Roman Catechism, promulgated in 1566 by the authority of Pope Saint Pius V. And then there’s the more recent Catechism of the Catholic Church, its first edition promulgated by the authority of Pope Saint John Paul II in 1992, with the official Latin editio typica following in 1997.

Yet, there are innumerable other catechisms in the Church’s history, which complement these two great works.

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Tradivox Master Catechism

Counselors and therapists in Michigan will be allowed to treat children who believe themselves to be the opposite sex, striking down a Michigan law that outlawed such counseling by claiming it constitutes “conversion therapy.”

The Dec. 17 ruling at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit blocked the Michigan law by stating that it “discriminates based on viewpoint” by forbidding therapists from counseling children that they are their own biological sex rather than the opposite sex.

The court noted that the law “expressly” allows therapists to help children commit to a so-called “transition” to the opposite sex. The rule is a “near-certain violation” of the First Amendment, the order said.

The Michigan law was passed on the grounds that steering children away from a transgender identity constitutes “conversion” similar to counseling that seeks to mitigate same-sex attraction. LGBT advocates claim that such “conversion therapy” has been discredited and constitutes a danger to therapy patients.

Continued below.

Tony and Gez had seen it all — and lost it all — in their individual journeys of addiction, recovery and conversion.

After four years of prayer, study and discernment, they were at last found worthy. On Nov. 15, at St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral in Freehold, New Jersey, the Diocese of Trenton raised nine men to the sacred order of the permanent diaconate.

Celebrating the Mass and conferring the Sacrament of Holy Orders was Bishop David O’Connell. “We come here today for a holy purpose,” proclaimed Bishop O’Connell, “to ordain these nine men who are your husbands, fathers, relatives and friends to the order of deacon.”

Beaming in the corner of the packed church was a particular dad in his clerics, Tony Ford. The 80-year-old deacon from St. Mary’s Parish in Middlewich, Cheshire, England, sat with his wife of nearly 60 years, Mary. Together with their children and grandchildren, they’d made the trip to the United States for the ordination of their 59-year-old son, Gerard “Gez” Ford, a pastoral associate at St. David the King Parish in West Windsor, New Jersey.

Tony and Gez had seen it all — and lost it all — in their individual journeys of addiction, recovery and conversion. For a time, they’d lost each other. In the Lord’s perfect knowledge of the hearts of fathers and sons, God healed them on separate paths, turning their hearts back to him.

No one was more surprised at the God of surprises than Tony. “The Lord is so good, so clever and so wonderful,” said Tony. “Gez is the same age I was when I was ordained.” In astonishment, he added, “My family had fallen apart. It was lost. It was rubbish. Look what God can do with rubbish.”

He Makes All Things New​

Continued below.

A Father and Son’s Journey from Addiction to the Altar

Tony and Gez had seen it all — and lost it all — in their individual journeys of addiction, recovery and conversion.

www.ncregister.com

Put some books under the Christmas tree. There are plenty of solid Catholic choices—from saints’ biographies to the enduring charm of Narnia. But don’t imagine that simply handing a child a book finishes your job. Read to them. Then read with them.

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“Our chaplains are chaplains, not emotional support officers, and we’re going to treat them as such,” Hegseth said in a video statement to the force on Wednesday.

He took special aim at the Army, saying its current spiritual fitness guide is pushing secular humanism, and he ordered the service to cease using the program immediately. “It mentions God one time. That’s it,” Hegseth said. “It mentions feelings 11 times. It even mentions playfulness, whatever that is, nine times. … In short, it’s unacceptable and unserious. So we’re tossing it.”

Hegseth said the Pentagon is working on a new program, which could curtail what qualifies as a faith or belief recognized in the military.

In 2017, the Defense Department updated what qualifies as a recognized religious denomination or belief system, with a list of 221 groups that ranged from the mainstream to obscure Christian sects, Wiccans and atheists. Hegseth blamed such changes on “political correctness” and an “ongoing war on warriors.” The department will create a new list of religious affiliation codes, he said without specifying what religions or belief systems are in and which ones are out

To understand how comparison steals from us, we first need to understand what it steals. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is like a warm breeze – it comes and goes and shifts with circumstances. A good meal, a compliment, and a sunny day can bring happiness, but the happiness does not last.

Joy, however, is deeper and lasting. Joy is the quiet, steady flame in the hearth of the soul. Circumstances may swirl like winter winds outside, but joy burns steadily.

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Later, in a press conference after the ceremony, Mendoza said that his Catholic faith "is a huge component" to his life and is "maybe the sole reason why I got here."

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I really need to find a job after being unemployed for years. I`ve applied to different places but nothing so far.

Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), considered one of the leading seminaries in the U.S., has launched its first series of Arabic-language curriculum.

Starting this fall semester, the 101-year-old seminary expanded its ministry reach with online courses taught in Arabic for students pursuing either a Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies (GCCS) or the Master of Biblical and Theological Studies (MBTS), DTS announced on Dec. 5.

Under the program, the initial cohort of 10 students based in both the U.S. and the Middle East, are taking courses in a pre-recorded, online format with reading materials and resources in Arabic. Their first course is a biblical study of the theological concept of Trinitarianism, according to a seminary spokesperson.

Led by Milad F. Dagher, director of DTS-Arabic and associate professor of Old Testament studies, DTS’ Arabic-language program was launched following two years of discussions among DTS leadership about preparing students for ministry in Arabic. Then-DTS President Mark Bailey and current President Mark Yarbrough — who was also Dagher’s seminary classmate — were involved in forming specifics about Arabic-language instruction. In January 2024, Dagher began working remotely as a part-time adviser at DTS.

Continued below.

# 1 WHAT ,/// TIS , is in. the NMINATIVE CASE in. the SINGULAR in. the NEUTER

#2. THEN ? ///. OUN. is a CONJNCATION

#3. ISRAEL , ///. PROPER NOUN

# 4 HATH , /// EPITYGHANO. is in. the AORIST TENSE in. the ACTIVE VOICE. in. the INDICATIVE MOOD. in. the SINGULAR

#5 NOT ,/// is a DISJUNCATION PARTICLE NEGATIVE

#6 OBTAINED. , ///. EVITYGCHANO. in vv the GENITIVE CASE in. the NEUTER

#7 THAT , /// FOUTOU. in the GENITIVE CASE in the NEUTER in. the SINGULAR

#8 WHICH , /// is a RELATIVE. PRONOUN. in the ACCUSATIVE CASE in the SINGULAR. in. the NEUTER

#9 HE SEEKETH FOR. ///. EPIZCETOO. , inc the PRESENT TENSE. in the ACTIVE VOICE in the INDICATIVE MOOD. , means you better

believe it , in v the SINGULAR

#10. BUT , /// DE iss a CONJUNCATION

#11 THE // HO is a DEFINITE ARTICLE. in. the NOMINATIVE CASE in. the SINGULAR

#12. ELECTION. /// EKLOGE. in the NOMINATIVE CASE in. the SINGULAR

#13 HATH. OBTAINETH. IT. /// EPITYCHANO. in vv the AORIST TENSE in. the ACTIVE VOICE. , means Christ is INVOLVED. in the

INDICATIVE MOOD. , means you better BELIEVE IT. in v. the SINGULUAR

#14 AND. ///. DE is a CONJUNCATION

#15 THE /// HO. is a DEFINITE ARTICLE in v the NOMINATIVE CASE in. the SINGULAR

#16 ELECTION. /// EKLOGO. invite NOMINATIVE CASE. in. the SINGULAR

#17. HATH OBTAINED. IT. /// EPITYGCHANO is in. the AORIST TENSE. in. the ACTIVE VOICE , means CHRIST is doing. the action

invite INDICATIVE MOOD , means Christ is doing . the action in the SINGULAR

#18. AND /// DE , is a CONJUNCATION

#19 THE ///. HO is a DEFINITE ARTICLE. in. the NOMINATIVE CASE in. the PLURAL

#20 REST ///. LOLPOS. in v the NOMINATIVE CASE. in. the PLURAL

# 21 REST /// LOLPOS. in. the NOMINATIVE CASE inv v the PLURAL

#22 WERE BLINDED /// in. the AORIST TENSE and it means ISRAEL were BLINDED THOUSAND. of years AGO. !!

# A AND many today refuse n not believe that ALL of Israel are a skeleton off. what they were ONCE !!

# B And many said that Israel and Judah. will again be ONE NATION AGAIN !!

# C. Justbbbread EZE 36 and EZE 37. !!

# D. And do not forget ISRAEL HAS been ELECTED and will. write it also !!

dan p

Several Christians were among a group of prisoners recently released in Eritrea, though seven senior church leaders remain in detention after two decades without charge or trial, a watchdog group has announced.

The Christian persecution advocacy organization Open Doors reported this week that the release appeared to include believers, businesspeople and politicians. The names of those freed have not been made public, and the group confirmed that none of the seven church leaders it has advocated for over the years were among them.

The leaders — Rev. Dr. Tekleab Menghisteab, Rev. Million Gebreselassie, Rev. Kidane Weldou, Rev. Gebremedhin Gebregiorgis, Dr. Kuflu Gebremeskel, Dr. Futsum Gebrenegus and Rev. Haile Naizge — have each been detained for more than 20 years without legal proceedings.

Open Doors said they have not been permitted to see family members, access a lawyer or appear before a court.

Continued below.

Project includes plans for 3-story school, funeral home, 500-parking space shopping center

Officials in a Dallas suburb have rejected a proposal by a mosque to build a large Islamic development across from a local church that would include a three-story school, a retail shopping center and a funeral home.

The city of Carrollton, located about 15 miles north of Dallas, held a meeting on Dec. 4 to hear several proposals from the community, including a proposal to consider an ordinance that would rezone a nearly 9-acre tract owned by Madinah Masjid, also known as the Islamic Center of Carrollton.

According to documents filed with the city’s planning and zoning commission, the proposal would amend the zoning on the tract at the corner of Old Denton and West Jackson Roads to allow for an event center as well as revised “conceptual plans.”

Commissioners voted unanimously against the proposal and gave the mosque 10 days to appeal to the city council.

Continued below.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is celebrating that a Virginia elementary school has removed a Bible verse that was painted on an inside wall of the school.

FFRF announced that Honaker Elementary School students “can now enjoy a school building [free] from inappropriate proselytization.”

The Bible verse that was displayed was Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

FFRF is a non-profit organization that seeks “to protect the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.”

Continued below.

On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth released a video announcing directives to “make the Chaplain Corps great again.”

“I’m here to tell you about a real problem facing our nation’s military. It’s one you’re probably not aware of, but it’s a really important one, and it’s been going on for far too long.The weakening of our Chaplain Corps,” Hegseth stated.

Hegseth explained that George Washington established the Chaplain Corps in 1775 with the intention of it being the “spiritual and moral backbone of our nation’s forces.” Hegseth quoted Washington as saying, “The blessing and protection of heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger.”

Continued below.

The Republican president said he had received a deluge of phone calls supporting the move and its potential to help patients. “We have people begging for me to do this. People that are in great pain,” he said.

Similarly, the Justice Department under Trump’s Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, proposed reclassifying marijuana to a Schedule III substance. Unlike Biden, Trump did not have open encouragement from across his party for the move. Some Republicans have spoken out in opposition to any changes and urged Trump to maintain current standards.

A prominent nuclear science professor at MIT was shot and killed inside his home in a swanky Massachusetts neighborhood Monday night, with police mum on details of the tragic slaying.

Loureiro, a native of Portugal, was a member of the school’s departments of nuclear science & engineering and physics, and director of the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center, one of the university’s largest labs with more than 250 full-time researchers, a school spokesman said.